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Handz On 
 Fashion Designer
Name:
Annabelle Hartley
Age:
27
Job title:
Fashion Designer
Job description:
I'm part of a design team that produces a petite ladies wear range. Each season I source fabric, print and trim from suppliers. I create design sketches and work with pattern cutters to produce toile samples for selection. Finally, I fit and finalise garments for production.
Where do you work?
I work for a commercial petite ladies retail label based in Luton, which has concessions in many well-known department stores including Dickens and Jones, John Lewis, Fenwicks, Debenhams and House of Fraser.
Qualifications:
Foundation in Fashion Design, BA Hons Women's Wear (Unstructured)
Being prepared
Are you doing what you wanted to do when you left school?
I did not consider being a fashion designer when I left school, probably because, at that time, it would have seemed such a far-off dream. But I knew early on that I wanted to be involved in a creative field and have always been very enthusiastic about 'art and design'.
In retrospect I can see how I've consistently had a keen interest in fashion and in making clothes. I learnt to knit when I was small and would knit everything! So much so that my elderly neighbours would give me their cast-off wool! I remember making my first sewn garments when I was 11 and for my A level Art I created a series of theatrical costumes. But at the time I saw it simply as an interest. I never set out to become a fashion designer.
What inspired you to pursue your career?
The experiences I've gained through making and reflecting on the work I've made has inspired me most. I've realised how important it is to act on my ideas.
In making each piece of work I've given myself a sort of mental critic, enabling me to improve my technique and spawn more ideas. I've realised the problems involved in each project. Experimenting with different methods and ideas has enabled me to learn from my own experiences and build upon them. This learning process has helped me become aware of my strengths and find out what my capabilities are.
The process of making has given me inspiration to go on. To be able to stand back and say 'I made that' has given me a sense of confidence, progress and achievement.
What tips could you give to someone who is interested in getting a job in your profession?
To be a fashion designer, you must try to be practical and plan towards achievable goals in simple steps.
Initially, the priority is to build up your portfolio, especially your drawing skills, which are a key component of any portfolio. The traditional route is to gain an A Level in Art and Design, or if you cannot take a full-time course at this level, there are a number of one day a week or evening classes.
This will then enable you to join a course that specialises in fashion, for instance a foundation in fashion design. This will allow you to focus your portfolio in design, develop your style and garment construction skills. Most foundation courses are in general art and design, with a Fine Art bias. This is fine, but remember you will not be taught about garment construction and will have to work harder and be more focused to develop your portfolio towards fashion design.
On completing a foundation course you can apply for a Fashion Design BA. But before applying to various universities and colleges via UCAS, work out what you want from your degree and then research which institutions meet your requirements. For example, you may want a degree that teaches a lot of pattern-cutting skills, while another may have a more avant-garde bias.
Finally, my last tips are related to attitude. As this is a highly competitive industry, and at times not very glamorous, it's amazing how a large amount of success comes down to hard work and determination. Secondly it is a great help if you are organised, so prioritising tasks and making lists is a great way of doing this. But remember to be flexible; for no plan is absolute, you have to be able to customise a plan to changing requirements and shifting priorities.
However, overall enthusiasm and a positive attitude are the best things anyone can have. Most importantly remember to have lots of fun!
Have you ever done work experience or voluntary work?
Yes. Experience is one of the most useful things in your career and is sought after. There are a number of ways of gaining experience.
If you find out when London fashion week is you can offer your services to various designers. Look at the London Fashion Week website for addresses and contact numbers - you can send a CV and a cover letter to request work experience. But the best way to make an impact is to go to the designer studio in person! Otherwise, I know a lot of universities have an office that organises work placements for you.
These placements can be hard work, and you may be expected to carry out all kinds of tasks including making the tea, hand sewing garments or dressing models back stage of the show. Not only will you make lots of contacts but do a good job and you will be remembered and be asked back! More importantly these will give you insight into the workings behind a show and indeed how a collection is put together. These experiences are invaluable and a definite bonus on your CV.
A typical day in my job
Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
| 9am | Get to the office. Discuss what needs doing and who is doing what with the rest of the design team. If it's a Monday, we go through sales figures first thing. | | 10am | Depending where in the season we are, we often have a morning meeting that could involve booking fabrics for the forthcoming season, a selection meeting of sample garments to go into the shops or we may meet a print, trim or fabric supplier.
Check what garments need to be fitted, and fit them. Discuss new sketches with pattern cutters and fit sample toiles on model. | | 12.30pm | We may also have design sketches or embroidery designs that need to be sent to our overseas suppliers leaving by 12:30pm that day.
| 1pm
| Lunch
| 2pm
| If we had a selection meeting in the morning then we would have a fit meeting for the selection meeting in the afternoon. Also the afternoon is a good moment for new design sketches to be done. We may have another meeting with a print, trim or fabric supplier. | | 5:30pm | Go home!
But no one day is the same, throughout any normal day while all of this is happening I am answering queries about trims from pattern cutters and selecting lab dips and fabric pieces for bulk sample production so multi-tasking is involved. |
What is the environment you work in like?
I work at a desk, and our design office is usually pretty chilled. I have quite a few meetings either with the design team or with external suppliers who we see quite regularly and grow to be very friendly with. Generally I meet lots of people as it's part of the job.
What long-term goals are you working towards?
My long-term goals are to increase sales and to keep moving the range on. I also would like to gain a greater understanding and relationship with the customer.
How do you manage your time each day? How important is time management in the world of work?
We have an annual timetable, which is broken down into meetings and design deadlines so each day is usually preparation for each deadline. I write a list of what I have to do per day in order of priority and, therefore, urgency and this is then broken down throughout the day allowing enough time to do each task. For example, I will say in the morning I have to finish off sketches by 11:30am. If I know that something will take a while then I get into the office earlier or stay a bit later.
Time management is very important as all deadlines and tasks whether large or small will affect our tight production schedule.
How important is working as a team in your job?
Working as a team is very important and enables you to share knowledge so that tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently.
Is there any advice you can give on the practical aspects of working?
In terms of salary you need to consider what is more important: job satisfaction or an excellent salary. To get this balance right is always tricky. You need to consider what you want from a job.
I travel quite far to work (35 miles), and for the most part I enjoy the travel except when there are delays and it can be tiring. So it's important to consider how long it takes to get to work and back as this can really affect the enjoyment of your job. If you prefer working closer to home, then consider this.
My job - behind the scenes
What do you like most about your job?
It's really exciting to see your designs made up as sample garments and then as finished products in the stores.
What do you like least?
When fabric arrives late from the mills and makes the sample garments late.
What's one secret thing that somebody that isn't in your profession wouldn't know?
How much hard work you have to do!
What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you at work?
I get to travel overseas to New York, Hong Kong and Paris twice a year, then sometimes Denmark, Portugal and Italy. I meet suppliers, go to fabric shows and visit shops, generally meeting and dining with lots of people.
What projects are you particularly proud of?
The first time I saw my designs on the shop floor!
What misconceptions do you think people might have about your job?
I don't think people realise how much thought and consideration goes into designing a range.
If there were one thing you would like to tell somebody who was thinking of working in this field what might it be?
Try to push the boundaries. Keep challenging yourself and don't give up. Don't look round at what everyone else is doing but set your own standards and think: 'How can I do this better?'
Why might a teenager be excited about pursuing a job like yours?
The job is hard work but the rewards can be high. It is creative, the overseas travel is exciting and you get real satisfaction when you see your ideas as a real physical output for the hours you put in.
Finding a job
How do you go about finding what jobs are available?
At the end of your degree your careers advice service should be able to offer you some guidance, direction and practical information such as contact names, numbers and addresses.
Also various recruitment agencies specialise in jobs in the fashion and retail sector, for example 'In Retail' and 'Success'. Some such agencies can be found on the internet. It could be worthwhile phoning them to arrange an interview.
An important publication for employment is Drapers Record magazine, which is used by all areas of the fashion industry. The appointment section is packed with diverse but high-quality fashion jobs.
What is a typical interview like?
The first interview is usually conducted by a member of staff who will see if you are the right 'fit' for the company.
You will be asked to talk through your portfolio and then you will also be asked more technical questions, testing whether you will be able to perform the role. Be prepared to be asked detailed questions about anything that you have put on your CV or application form.
The second interview is usually conducted by a more senior member of staff and you will be asked more detailed questions about yourself.
Are there any interview techniques that are particularly useful?
Preparation is the key. So, research the company you are applying to and the particular role you are applying for. Give confident positive answers about the job you are applying for and yourself. A way of seeming keen and confident without saying it is to make regular eye contact with your interviewer. Remember this interview is as much for you as it is for them so ask any relevant questions about the job or company.
Try and dress in a manner which is appropriate for the job, so for a large corporate design company you want to seem creative but businesslike.
What is the hardest interview question you've ever been asked?
'What did you dislike about your previous place of work?'
Nurse
Name:
Sarah Callaghan
Age:
31
Job title:
Senior staff nurse
Job description:
I'm a critical care nurse. As part of a team of healthcare professionals, I work for the best interests of my patients. I support my colleagues, my patients and their families.
Where do you work?
In the critical care unit at the Conquest Hospital.
Qualifications:
9 GCSEs; 1 A level; diploma in nursing; intensive care training
Salary Range:
£16k-£33k (not including enhancements and living allowances)
Being prepared
Are you doing what you wanted to do when you left school?
I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left school!
What inspired you to pursue your career?
I wanted a hands-on job which challenged my brain too. Nursing offered me this balance.
What tips could you give to someone who is interested in getting a job in your profession?
Try working as a healthcare worker or nursing auxiliary either in a hospital or in the community.
If someone wanted a job in your profession what types of training or qualifications would they require?
You need a diploma in nursing. This means you'll need at least Maths, English and a Science GCSE (or the equivalent) to get a place.
A typical day in my job
Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
There's no such thing as a typical day! My day at work could be the turning point of a person's life. It could be the best or the worst day in their or the lives of their family. It can be tough both mentally and physically or it can be the most rewarding and spiritually uplifting experience.
How far do you have to travel to get to work?
Four miles.
What is the environment you work in like?
It's usually quite noisy and busy and it can feel really intense and stressful at times! I meet an incredible number and variety of people at work and at meetings and study days.
What are your daily tasks?
Daily I try to maintain the health and dignity of the patients I care for. I also try to support and evaluate my colleagues and recognise when I need support and education.
How do you manage your time each day? How important is time management in the world of work?
Time management is important and can seem really difficult when you first need to do it. But remember that it's just a skill you can learn and develop.
How important is working as a team in your job?
My job is impossible unless you act as part of a team. To do this you must recognise when you need help and when others do. The best skills to help you achieve this are listening, communicating and being patient.
Are there any particular health and safety issues involved with the work you do?
You will need to be immunised against some diseases as you are in constant contact with high-risk groups. Qualified staff and college lecturers will keep you up to date with these issues.
Is there any advice you can give on the practical aspects of working?
The NHS is an equal opportunities employer and you will encounter people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures. Tax, national insurance, pension schemes and maternity benefits are all easily dealt with by your employers in the NHS.
My job - behind the scenes
What do you like most about your job?
Discovering the amazing qualities and strength of character that ordinary people possess.
What do you like least?
Patients dying. It's always hard to tell them and/or their families that there is no more help we can give.
What's one secret thing that somebody that isn't in your profession wouldn't know?
That people's bodies are as different on the inside as they are on the outside.
What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you at work?
The first time I helped to change a dead person back into a living one!
What projects are you particularly proud of?
I'm proud that I've been involved in encouraging several student nurses to come and work in critical care with me once they qualify.
What misconceptions do you think people might have about your job?
That nursing is all about doing what doctors tell you. This isn't true. We're all part of a team and sometimes nurses have skills and knowledge that doctors don't.
If there were one thing you would like to tell somebody who was thinking of working in this field what might it be?
Nursing is a knowledge- and skills-based career. You'll enjoy nursing if you are someone who likes to learn and use new skills and to pass them on to others.
Why might a teenager be excited about pursuing a job like yours?
It's genuinely a satisfying and rewarding job with room for people with a huge variety of interests and talents. Also, nurses usually have a brilliant social life.
Finding a job
How do you go about finding what jobs are available?
Look on the internet for your local NHS based trust website or check specialist press ('Nursing Times'). Universities will give you information about training.
If someone were interested in getting a job like yours, how would they go about it?
After you graduate look around at what's on offer. Some units like you to have ward experience before working in critical care, some don't.
How important is having a CV for your profession?
Nurses need to have a professional portfolio. If you want to work in critical care, it will help if you've attended study days and workshops which are relevant.
What is a typical interview like?
You will usually be interviewed by senior nursing staff from the unit. You may have been asked to prepare a short presentation on an issue in healthcare.
Are there any interview techniques that are particularly useful?
Be calm, be prepared, be honest!
What is the hardest interview question you've ever been asked?
Why do you want this job? Always think about how you might answer this question. It may not be asked directly but if you have a clear idea in your head about why you want something you'll seem more positive and direct, which is always good.
Lawyer
Name:
Imran Mufti
Age:
32
Job title:
Associate
Job description:
I practice corporate and commercial law with an international law firm.
What's corporate law?
Corporate law involves a few different things. I help set up companies. Saudi Arabia recently introduced new foreign investment regulations that were aimed at making it easier for foreign companies to invest in the Kingdom. As a result a lot of very large companies from all over the world (some of them household names but can't tell you because it's secret) have been looking at, and pursuing, possibilities in Saudi Arabia, which is the largest market in the Gulf. We help foreign companies set up their operations as there are a lot of regulatory obstacles to overcome.
What's commercial law?
Commercial work involves providing advice and drafting commercial agreements between commercial parties. We usually act for one of the parties to the agreement and try and draft it so that it is legally compliant and also commercially in favour of our client. Projects can be quite small (a few hundred thousand dollars) to very large, well-known (at least in the industry) projects. We are currently handling a US$ 1 billion project involving the construction of a petrochemical plant.
Where do you work?
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Do you like working in Saudi Arabia?
Yes I do. Life here is very peaceful and it is a very safe and secure environment. This is in stark contrast to working in London. There are no cinemas and, from a western point of view, a very strict environment with separate dining areas in restaurants for single men and families.
What differences are there between working in Saudi Arabia and the UK?
There is a different work ethic here with not as much "employee protection" as you would get in London. Rules are not always strictly adhered to in the work place and there is a much lesser sense of job security (but I suppose there is no such thing as "a job for life" anywhere these days). Having said that, I much prefer not having to get on an overcrowded tube train during the busy periods in the mornings and evenings.
Qualifications:
LLB (Hons); postgraduate diploma; qualified as a solicitor in the UK and as an attorney-at-law in New York
Salary Range:
£40k-£130k
Being prepared
Are you doing what you wanted to do when you left school?
Kind of. I originally wanted to be a barrister but realised the opportunities for international work were very limited.
What is a barrister?
A barrister is an advocate and is usually a specialised lawyer that predominantly deals with court work (ie when there is a disagreement between two or more parties). People usually think of Kavanagh QC or Rumpole of the Bailey when they think of barristers, but there are quite a fair number of barristers practising non-criminal law. For example, if there is a claim by someone for breach of contract and this ultimately comes to court, barristers act as advocates for each of the parties in the court proceedings.
Had you always wanted to work abroad?
I did always want to work abroad and specifically in the Middle East. It's a very good way of broadening your horizons and learning about new cultures and languages. The world is a much smaller place than it was 20 to 30 years ago and with information zipping across the world wide web within seconds and the frequency and relatively low cost of international flights it is a lot easier to move around.
What inspired you to pursue your career?
The intellectual challenge, the chance to stand up for someone else, oh and of course the money and the kudos.
What tips could you give to someone who is interested in getting a job in your profession?
Do not give up. I know it sounds cliched, but persevere - you will get there in the end.
If someone wanted a job in your profession what types of training or qualifications would they require?
An undergraduate degree, completion of a one year postgraduate legal vocational course and two years training with a law firm. If your first degree is not in law, there is also a one year intensive 'conversion' course to complete.
Have you ever done work experience or voluntary work?
Yes. I did some work with the Citizens Advice Bureau as well as pro-bono (or free) advice sessions at law centres in London. There was one occasion when I was doing some pro-bono work whilst I was a student and I had to represent a lady before a local authority appeals tribunal. It was quite a nerve-racking experience.
Looking back do you see work experience as being useful to your career?
Voluntary work and work experience is always good as it gives you an insight into the day-to-day reality of the particular profession. It also gives you a chance to impress. I shadowed with a local firm of solicitors when I was at school. Shadowing usually involves reading files and sitting in on meetings or court proceedings with a solicitor.
A typical day in my job
Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
There isn't really a typical day. I usually get in between 9:00am and 9:30am, check my emails, respond accordingly and then it's a case of continuing with the Agreement I drafted earlier, speaking to a partner (or boss) about a particular matter, having a meeting with a client. I usually leave at about 7:30pm or 8:00pm (though it can be later). I also have to work a half day on Thursday (the weekend is Thursday and Friday in Saudi Arabia).
Could you talk a bit about how you get to work from where you live?
I live in a compound (this is a specialised purpose-built set of residences for overseas (or expatriate) workers in Saudi Arabia. It's not a very large compound but there are people from all over the world (US, South Africa, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon and Germany) on our compound. We have our own gym, swimming pool and tennis court and it is located fairly centrally within the city. I drive to the office and it usually takes about 20 minutes. There is no public transport and you have to have a car to get around (fuel is incredibly cheap - Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of oil in the world).
Riyadh is a very different environment to London. There are many modern shopping malls with all the shops you would expect on any London high street (The Body Shop, Burtons, Mothercare, Next, etc) and there are also the fast-food chains (McDonald's, KFC and Burger King). But one major difference is that everything (apart from hotels and hospitals) shuts during the prayer times (four in the day time - for about 30 minutes each). So it takes some getting used to, making sure you don't plan a trip to the supermarket at a certain time. Driving is also a bit of a nightmare. There are no rules on roundabouts where it is a virtual free-for-all, but the roads are very wide so this does help to compensate.
What is the environment you work in like? Do you work at a desk? Do you go to lots of meetings?
I have my own office and I work at a desk with a PC, phone and lots of files. I attend meetings about once or twice a week and I have interaction with a wide variety of people from all over the world.
Weather wise it is nice during October to April (can get a bit chilly, about 14 to 16°C during winter). But it gets incredibly hot during the summer months (up to 50°C) and most people plan their vacations around this time.
The offices in Saudi tend to be more plush and spacious than in London. Saudis are very clean, tidy and generally generous people and they do like to spend money.
How do you manage your time each day? How important is time management in the world of work?
Time management is very important. We charge clients for every six minute unit of time that we spend on a matter and that time has to show value to the client.
How important is working as a team in your job?
Teamwork is very important, often there are matters which require two or more lawyers and there has to be good communication channels to conduct our work efficiently. Team play requires a great degree of tolerance and the ability to take on other people's point of view. It can take time to explain the differences between the Saudi legal system and other legal systems to people outside of Saudi who are used to things being done in a certain, regimented way.
Things usually happen relatively slowly in Saudi Arabia. Cultural considerations feed into this as, for example, Thursday and Friday is the weekend in Saudi Arabia whereas these are normal working days in Europe or the USA. Also things get even more slow during the month of Ramadan when Muslims have to fast.
Is there any advice you can give on the practical aspects of working?
This type of work involves long hours. It is often quite stressful and there are lots of demanding clients who want answers to questions yesterday.
My job - behind the scenes
What projects are you particularly proud of?
When the client (or partner) is happy, there is a good sense of achievement. People are very cautious about their dealings in Saudi and tread very carefully (they take our advice and act according to it). There are occasions where clients have ignored our advice and faced the consequences later but I don't think you can really feel proud of something like that.
What misconceptions do you think people might have about your job?
That it's very glamorous. Believe me, LA Law it is not.
If there were one thing you would like to tell somebody who was thinking of working in this field what might it be?
Think about it long and hard. Take a good look at what other career paths there are. But once you have decided, stick at it until you get where you want to.
Finding a job
How do you go about finding jobs in your field?
You can usually find jobs via the internet or by making speculative applications. You apply to companies that you are interested in working for, enquiring if they have any suitable vacancies. Employees are always coming and going and, if you time it right, there may be an opening. In any event, your details can also be kept on file should a suitable vacancy arise. There are also specialised recruitment consultants that can help.
If someone were interested in getting a job like yours, how would they go about it?
After qualifying, there are specialist legal magazines that contain job vacancies and a lot of law firm websites have listings. In school you could work on developing your skills in speech or debate. Anything that helps you learn how to put forward your point of view (either orally or on paper). These are very important skills for a lawyer and any opportunity to get involved in debates or public speaking should not be missed. Something else which I used to do was to go and sit in a public gallery in the local crown court and just watch the proceedings. This is a very good way of experiencing public speaking, even if you are not doing it yourself.
How important is having a CV for your profession?
CVs are extremely important. Make sure everything is right (there shouldn't be any spelling or grammatical errors). The key points to highlight are your achievements and those things which could benefit your prospective employer if he or she were to take you on board. It's also useful to have handy some writing samples that you've prepared (legal or otherwise).
What is a typical interview like?
Usually there are several. A lot depends on the interviewer. I had one 2 hour interview where I actually said very little. An interview should be used for you to find out about them as well as them finding out about you.
Are there any interview techniques that are particularly useful?
Smile (not too much), be polite and just be yourself. If it's what they are looking for it will come through, and if it's not, it's probably better for you.
What is the hardest interview question you've ever been asked?
A technical question on an area of law which I had absolutely no clue about. I fluffed it badly. I should have told them that I had not been exposed to that particular area of law.
Financial Analyst
Name:
James Cook
Age:
28
Job title:
Financial Analyst
Job description:
I work in the Disney Consumer Products regional team. My job involves analysis of monthly financial information sent by countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. I consolidate this information and report to head office in California. I also do project work that assists with new finance system implementation.
Where do you work?
The Walt Disney Company (Hammersmith, London)
Qualifications:
8 GCSEs; A levels; degree in geography; part-qualified CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accounting)
Salary Range:
£25k-£30k (should increase to £35k-£45k on completion of CIMA qualification). Six figure salaries are not uncommon further up the career ladder.
Being prepared
Are you doing what you wanted to do when you left school?
To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do after leaving school. I chose to do a geography degree, but this certainly wasn't due to any desire to become a geography teacher or a weatherman!
What inspired you to pursue your career?
My choice of career was mostly based on playing to my strengths. Although working with numbers is not what most people consider inspiring, during school and onwards, I found it was something I was quite good at.
I wanted a career that would combine this with interacting with a wide range of people and my current role certainly provides this.
What tips could you give to someone who is interested in getting a job in your profession?
After leaving school, if you are absolutely sure you want to have a finance-related job, then a degree in business and finance would obviously be a good move.
If, like myself, you chose to do an unrelated degree, this is no reason to dismiss a job as a finance analyst.
Although the financial rewards are high, you must be prepared to work hard for it, especially considering the inevitable study for a professional qualification will need to be done at the same time as your day-to-day work.
One good tip is to go for a job in a large company, as a move to a smaller company at a later point in time is a lot easier than a move up in size of firm.
If someone wanted a job in your profession what types of training or qualifications would they require?
You need good grades from GCSE through to your degree. Also, studying Maths or Business at A level or at university is a must. To progress, you will need a professional qualification such as CIMA, however, this is normally done after landing the job.
A typical day in my job
Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
I get in to the office about 8:30am. I read emails sent by other staff, highlighting ones that require a response, especially the urgent ones. Most of the day is taken up by analysing financial documents sent by other countries and consolidating the information. I spend a lot of time talking to colleagues around Europe concerning the documents sent.
I lunch for about three quarters of an hour with friends in the work canteen.
From 4.30pm onwards, I discuss projects with colleagues in the Head Office, California (morning their time). I leave at about 6pm on a normal day, but this can be much later during busy periods.
If I have exams coming up, I go to college 6pm until 9pm twice a week.
How far do you have to travel to get to work?
Three miles.
What is the environment you work in like?
It's a very young, vibrant atmosphere, but this can change dramatically if deadlines are looming.
Do you work at a desk?
Yes, I work from my desk.
Do you go to lots of meetings?
I go to meetings, but they are usually with members of my immediate team.
Do you meet lots of people?
I work with a wide variety of staff within our building, but a lot of my contact with overseas staff is obviously usually over the phone.
How do you manage your time each day?
I list all items of work to be cleared, noting when the deadlines are and their relative importance. This enables me to work on the most urgent work first. If I know a day will be busy, I try to get in to the office early to get a head start. Time management is very important as submitting work on time is vital to the smooth running of our department and it is a major factor in how we are judged.
How important is working as a team in your job?
Teamwork is needed because many of our individual tasks are linked. A good team player will communicate effectively with other staff, sharing useful information but also developing working relationships by being able to have a laugh when appropriate.
Is there any advice you can give on the practical aspects of working?
The big question is the trade off between the size of your salary and the hours you work. Try to choose a career that has the right balance for you. A career in finance will have a moderate salary initially, but this will increase rapidly as you progress.
My job - behind the scenes
What do you like most about your job?
The people I work with. Disney seems to have an ability of employing like-minded people, which means working as a team is so much easier. Watching films in the office cinema on a Friday afternoon isn't bad either!
What do you like least?
When information is delivered to me behind schedule, it results in my own workload being concentrated into a very short time period.
What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you at work?
Meeting Winnie the Pooh.
What projects are you particularly proud of?
I introduced a system of appraising countries' quarterly financial reporting, which has become a tool for motivating improved performance by rewarding high quality work.
What misconceptions do you think people might have about your job?
It's all just number crunching. People skills such as effective communicating, motivating and teamwork are vital.
If there were one thing you would like to tell somebody who was thinking of working in this field what might it be?
You must be committed. It's certainly not a 9 to 5 job.
Why might someone be excited about pursuing a job like yours?
If you are prepared to put in the graft, there are substantial rewards (both financial and job satisfaction). A qualified accountant can earn a good living in practically any city in the world.
Finding a job
How do you go about finding what jobs are available?
One of the best sources is through 'Financial Recruitment'. If leaving university, there will be job application forms available through the university careers service. Also, try looking for adverts in the national press and accountancy publications such as those related to the CIMA qualification. If there are particular types of companies that you are interested in, it may be worthwhile sending your CV speculatively to their human resources department.
How important is having a CV for your profession?
Very important. It is the main way job applicants are initially assessed. No matter how suitable for the job you are, if your CV is below standard there is no way you will get an interview.
What is a typical interview like?
First round interviews will comprise of a more junior member of staff or a member of HR who will see if you are the right fit for the company. You will be asked to talk generally about yourself, your likes, dislikes, etc. You will also be asked more technical questions that test whether you will be able to perform the role. Be prepared to be asked detailed questions about anything that you have put on your CV or application form. The second round interview will be more of the same, but with a more senior member of staff.
Are there any interview techniques that are particularly useful?
Spend as much time as possible preparing. Research the company and the particular role you are applying for. Have a couple of questions to ask the interviewer about the job and the company. Never openly give information about any of your weaknesses unless absolutely necessary. Be confident and friendly and, of course, dress smartly.
Scientist
Name:
Nick Bray
Age:
29
Job title:
Research Fellow
Job description:
I work in the field of neuroscience, doing scientific research into brain disorders.
Brain disorders? What exactly are brain disorders?
A brain disorder is any 'disorder' that involves the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease. I look at the brain at a genetic level and work on something called gene expression. I look at the expression of RNA.
Where do you work?
University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
Qualifications:
GCSEs; A levels; BSc degree in psychology; MSc degree in neuroscience and a PhD in genetics
Salary Range:
About £20k-£25K (at current level)
Being prepared
Are you doing what you wanted to do when you left school?
I was always interested in psychology, so I got my first degree in that. I didn't see myself doing the lab side of things. I was more interested in psychology and mental illnesses as a subject. As part of psychology you learn about neurobiology so I was inspired to do a master's in neuroscience and then a PhD in genetics. But this isn't really the typical route. Most people I work with come from a science background and do a degree in genetics or biological science, or they come from a medical background.
What inspired you to pursue your career?
I was inspired by an interest in the subject and the potential benefits of medical research. I wanted to find out about medical conditions to help develop better treatments and therapies.
What tips could you give to someone who is interested in getting a job in your profession?
Go to college and university. Choose science-based subjects. You could do voluntary work in a lab but you really need a bachelor's degree. Work experience will tell you if you're likely to enjoy working in a lab. I've really come through just an academic route. When I first came to the lab I took a technician's job to learn genetics.
If someone wanted a job in your profession what types of training or qualifications would they require?
A science-based degree is usually required. Alternatively, some of the people working in the department have medical degrees.
A typical day in my job
Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
Typically I don't arrive at work that early. I set up experiments, analyse data, read scientific papers and possibly do some writing for scientific journals.
How far do you have to travel to get to work?
It takes me about 25 minutes walking.
What is the environment you work in like?
Some of my work is completed at my desk, using the internet or writing. Some of it is in the laboratory, conducting experiments. I don't have to go to many meetings at this stage in my career. I work in the lab with a few other people, but generally don't meet many others.
Do you have to wear a lab coat?
I don't usually wear a lab coat. To be honest I spend a lot of my time in front of the computer doing bioinfomatics. A lot of things you used to have to do in the lab can now be done through bioinfomatics programs, web-based programmes that give you information on biology. Probably a third of my time is spent using bioinfomatics programs.
What is your favourite piece of lab equipment?
That's easy! The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine. It lets you take a small bit of a gene and amplify it and create lots of copies. It's really fast.
What are your daily tasks? What long-term goals are you working towards?
My daily tasks are essentially designing, conducting and writing-up experiments. Long-term, my aim is to help advance the understanding of particular brain disorders.
How do you manage your time each day?
There is quite a bit of 'multi-tasking' involved. I'll start one experiment and leave it to run and then start another off, then go back to the first one and analyse that and then go back to the second one, and maybe start a third. I do a lot of different things simultaneously. It helps to save time. The reactions usually take a couple of hours. You're basically juggling a whole bunch of experiments.
How important is working as a team in your job?
For what I do personally, you don't have to be much of a team-player. However, most of the projects are worked on by teams of people. You have to be able to get on with people. You have to be able to keep up your end of the bargain, because in experiments people depend on you to get your bit done. You have to be a good communicator and you have to be responsible. Above all, you have to regard the mutual goal as being your aim rather than only focusing on what you want to get out of it. Ultimately, when you're working with a team, you have to work for the team.
Are there any particular health and safety issues involved with the work you do?
Yes, as some of the chemicals we use can be quite dangerous. Phenol and chloroform are used for extracting nucleic acids and they are dangerous if you inhale them. We always wear gloves and lab coats when handling them and use air hoods so we don't breathe in the fumes. I used to handle radioactive material and needed to be quite careful. You had a counter on you which measured how much radiation you were exposed to.
Is there any advice you can give on the practical aspects of working?
There are set pay scales for your age, qualifications and experience. You could try and negotiate for more in a job interview but at the end of the day you have to weigh that against how much you want the job. You also need to remember that academic jobs are quite competitive and there are people out there who would accept the job for less pay. You could look for work with an industrial company. They're more likely to pay you more but the jobs are perhaps less exciting.
My job - behind the scenes
What do you like most about your job?
It's often very interesting - you're trying to find answers to important questions. Also, it's fairly flexible - you don't have to 'clock-in' at a certain time.
What do you like least?
The money's not great in academic science.
What's one secret thing that somebody that isn't in your profession wouldn't know?
The brain is bright yellow. No, I'm kidding. It's actually sort of a grey/pink, although some of the pathways are white. I think what's really interesting is how we learn. Brain connections are constantly changing in response to environments; neural connections are constantly modifying. This is the basis for learning and memory.
What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you at work?
We've made a few interesting discoveries, which are always quite exciting.
What projects are you particularly proud of?
That everyone working in science spends all day in the lab dressed in lab coats.
What misconceptions do you think people might have about your job?
If you're interested in discovering new things, then you'll probably really enjoy it. If you want to get rich, there are easier ways to do it.
If there were one thing you would like to tell somebody who was thinking of working in this field what might it be?
If you're interested in discovering new things, then you'll probably really enjoy it. If you want to get rich, there are easier ways to do it.
Why might someone be excited about pursuing a job like yours?
Pursuing an interest is more exciting than simply 'doing a job'. You've got to do what you love.
Finding a job
How do you go about finding what jobs are available?
Positions are often advertised on university or company websites. You can also look in magazines like 'New Scientist'.
If someone were interested in getting a job like yours, how would they go about it?
Even if no jobs were advertised, you could write to a department that you were interested in to see if they had anything available.
How important is having a CV for your profession?
A CV is quite important. I'd list academic qualifications, work experience to date and titles of research papers that I'd published.
What is a typical interview like?
For this job, I had an interview with a couple of professors and someone from personnel. The profs would take turns asking me questions.
Are there any interview techniques that are particularly useful?
I read a lot about the interests of the people running the lab and read the papers they'd published to see what was interesting to them. I think it's key to research the company you're interested in and to be able to tell your potential employer how your skills could fit in.
Store Assistant
Name:
Chigozie Okoye
Age:
25
Job title:
Store Assistant
Job description:
I assist in the running of an organic greengrocer.
Where do you work?
In a shop in East Dulwich, London.
Qualifications:
I have a degree in philosophy, four A levels and ten GCSEs.
Being prepared
What tips could you give to someone who is interested in getting a job in your profession?
I think the most important advice I could give is to be yourself - this will ensure that you work in a place that really suits you.
If someone wanted a job in your profession what types of training or qualifications would they require?
You don't need qualifications as much as you need to have some very specific skills. It's important to have basic maths and English, be able to do mental arithmetic, manage money and be a good communicator.
Have you ever done work experience or voluntary work?
Yes. I was originally thinking of being a teacher. Doing work experience made me re-think this.
I got a placement at a school in South East London. The day I started, the school was full of police because a pupil of the school, Damilola Taylor, was found killed the night before. I guess it was this experience that has meant I did not go into teaching. I think as a teacher it's really hard. You have to follow the curriculum but there are a lot of other things that you would like to accomplish but might not be able to, such as helping kids deal with the harder issues like another student's death. My job now is much simpler
A typical day in my job
Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
I get to work at ten past nine and get on with it. I prepare vegetables for display in the shop - it serves about 100 people a day. I do lots of mental arithmetic. I make carrot juice. I have to wear fingerless gloves in the winter!
How far do you have to travel to get to work?
I have to travel about a mile. It's a 20-minute walk, something like that.
What is the environment you work in like?
I meet hundreds of people each day. I know loads of people in the neighbourhood - customers and proprietors of other businesses. I am surrounded by fruit, children, babies, old people, men, women and some dogs. I'm on my feet most of the day, walking around the shop and moving stuff around.
What are your daily tasks?
I work for seven or eight hours, standing, lifting boxes, stacking shelves with fruit and vegetables, carrying shopping bags, walking around the shop all day. I also have to be able to answer questions, such as 'How do you cook butternut squash?' You need to have a certain amount of product knowledge to do this job.
How do you manage your time each day? How important is time management in the world of work?
I try not to be late. I try to get things done as soon as possible. I try to enjoy my time here. I find it's really important to stay on top of things.
How important is working as a team in your job?
Morale is quite important in teamwork, not just the team's but your morale as well. Not letting the team down means two things: you have to look after yourself and, at the same time, you need to look after the team. You have to be a good listener and be able to understand what your team-mates are telling you. You need to anticipate what your colleagues will need, you need to do things that will help them and you need to be aware of what's going on around you. If you pay attention to what the other people in the team need, it ensures the team functions at its best. Not to mention it helps with morale. Working as a team makes the day go by more quickly and work is less of a drag.
Are there any particular health and safety issues involved with the work you do?
There are a lot of health considerations you need to be aware of when you are working with food. For instance, you have to watch the 'sell by' dates and ensure that the surfaces are hygienic.
Is there any advice you can give on the practical aspects of working?
Work somewhere that's near to where you live or easy to get to. Although this might seem rather basic, travel time is something that could make a difference in whether or not you are happy at work.
My job - behind the scenes
What do you like most about your job?
I like the physical aspect of my job. I get to use my brain as well. I also like the food - I always end up with lots of fresh food for my house. The social aspect of my job is really good too. I've known some customers for three years, and I've watched their families grow. It's quite rewarding.
What do you like least?
Moany people. I try to be cheerful all day long. It's hard when a customer is being really horrible.
What's one secret thing that somebody that isn't in your profession wouldn't know?
All maple syrup is organic.
What misconceptions do you think people might have about your job?
That it's easy. In fact, you never stop working. It's constant. People are always waiting to be served. You need to have stamina.
Why might a teenager be excited about pursuing a job like yours?
It's quite a good job. You get to use your brain, but at the same time you get to do something physical. You have a social conscience but you can still just go home at the end of the day and switch off from work. You don't have to worry about what's going on at work.
Finding a job
How do you go about finding what jobs are available?
One of the best ways to find a job is to pay a visit to the shop you're interested in working in. You can visit shops in your local neighbourhood and ask if they have any job openings. If there's a shop that sells products you have an interest in, it's always worth asking if they are hiring. You can search websites and look in the newspaper or watch for adverts as well.
What is a typical interview like?
There isn't really such a thing as a typical interview. I think the best advice I can give is to be yourself. I was once asked where I see myself in two years' time. I thought that was quite hard to answer. It would be good too to become familiar with what the shop sells, for instance, you might find out what regulations there are surrounding the sale of organic foods.
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